Numbers 32:24
Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.
Original Language Analysis
עָרִים֙
you cities
H5892
עָרִים֙
you cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לְטַפְּכֶ֔ם
for your little ones
H2945
לְטַפְּכֶ֔ם
for your little ones
Strong's:
H2945
Word #:
4 of 9
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
וְהַיֹּצֵ֥א
that which hath proceeded
H3318
וְהַיֹּצֵ֥א
that which hath proceeded
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 9
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh requested Transjordan territories (Gilead and Bashan) because the land suited their vast livestock holdings (32:1). Moses initially feared they were repeating the spies' unbelief (32:6-15) but accepted their commitment to cross Jordan and fight alongside other tribes before returning to their east-bank inheritances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' phrase 'do what proceeded from your mouth' challenge contemporary casual commitment-making that avoids accountability?
- What does the requirement to fulfill spoken commitments teach about the weight and seriousness of our words?
- How can you cultivate integrity that treats verbal commitments as binding obligations requiring faithful execution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth—Moses authorizes Reuben and Gad to establish settlements east of Jordan: build... cities (בְּנוּ לָכֶם עָרִים benu lakhem arim) for dependents and folds (גְּדֵרוֹת gederot, walled enclosures) for livestock. The concluding phrase—do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth (הַיֹּצֵא מִפִּיכֶם עֲשׂוּ hayotze mifikem asu, 'what has gone from your mouth, do')—holds them to their commitment to fight with Israel before settling (32:16-19).
This verse demonstrates covenant principle: public commitments create binding obligations before God and community. Jesus taught: 'Let your yes be yes and your no be no' (Matthew 5:37). The tribes' verbal pledge required fulfillment regardless of subsequent preference changes. Modern casual commitments ('I'll think about it,' 'maybe') avoid accountability, but biblical community requires actionable yes/no answers with follow-through responsibility.